Bike Reviews

Even basic winter jackets made of Windstopper or a similar material offer incredible warmth, but the best ones are set apart by thoughtful details. Specialized’s take on the winter jacket is impressive: The Element 1.5 is one of the best jackets I’ve ever worn. The cut feels a bit funny while you’re standing around because it’s tailored for the cycling position. And on the bike, the fit is impeccable with no billowing, bunching, or binding. In fact, once you’re in the saddle you barely notice it, except for the fact that you’re not shivering. Two zippered vents where pockets would be on a regular jacket let you easily meter airflow on the fly. My favorite feature by far is a simple flap at the top of the pop collar. It stretches across the back of the neck and keeps drafts at bay, but you won’t feel like a boa constrictor is squeezing you. This jacket proved equal to a briskly paced ride with temperatures just around the freezing mark: I was warm enough with just a long-sleeve base layer underneath. Specialized offers the Element in three colors: black, white, and my favorite, bright orange, for extra visibility.—Ron Koch